Indie Films

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Quirky, offbeat, charming -- indie films are great for kids, teens, and even adults who like something a little out of the ordinary when it comes to their entertainment. This list of our favorite independent movies has everything from heartwarming hand-drawn animation to emotional award winners. These alternative, artistic movies push the envelope when it comes to creativity and storytelling (although keep in mind that also means they can get a bit edgy). But each one is an excellent, unusual cinematic masterpiece unlike any other. For more indie picks and anime classics, check our list of Offbeat Animated Movies.

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Ernest & Celestine Poster Image

MOVIE

Ernest & Celestine

age 6+

Touching animated story celebrates unlikely friendships.

February 28, 2014 2014 PG (80 minutes)

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Boy and the World Poster Image

MOVIE

Boy and the World

age 7+

Poignant hand-drawn story promotes family, environmentalism.

December 11, 2015 2015 PG (83 minutes)

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Wolfwalkers Poster Image

MOVIE

Wolfwalkers

age 8+

Lush, lyrical Irish folktale has dark moments, peril.

November 13, 2020 2020 PG (100 minutes)

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April and the Extraordinary World Poster Image

MOVIE

April and the Extraordinary World

age 9+

French steampunk tale for kids mixes science, adventure.

March 25, 2016 2016 PG (106 minutes)

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The Painting Poster Image

MOVIE

The Painting

age 9+

Stunning animated drama tackles prejudice, forbidden love.

May 10, 2013 2013 NR (76 minutes)

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The Secret of Kells Poster Image

MOVIE

The Secret of Kells

age 9+

Magical animated adventure is intense but beautiful.

March 19, 2010 2010 NR (75 minutes)

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Zarafa Poster Image

MOVIE

Zarafa

age 9+

Enchanting African fable with some scares and sadness.

July 3, 2015 2015 NR (78 minutes)

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Belle and Sebastian Poster Image

MOVIE

Belle and Sebastian

age 10+

Beautiful film about WWII has intense themes, drinking.

March 31, 2015 2015 NR (104 minutes)

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Paper Planes Poster Image

MOVIE

Paper Planes

age 10+

Thoughtful, inspired look at grief soars.

September 4, 2015 2015 NR (96 minutes)

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Phantom Boy Poster Image

MOVIE

Phantom Boy

age 10+

Poignant crime caper follows sick boy with ghostly ability.

July 15, 2016 2016 PG (84 minutes)

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Napoleon Dynamite Poster Image

MOVIE

Napoleon Dynamite

age 11+

One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.

June 11, 2004 2004 PG (82 minutes)

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The History of Future Folk Poster Image

MOVIE

The History of Future Folk

age 11+

Quirky indie sci-fi film has positive messages about music.

June 4, 2013 2013 NR (84 minutes)

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A Girl Like Her Poster Image

MOVIE

A Girl Like Her

age 12+

Bullying drama is disturbing but should spark conversation.

March 27, 2015 2015 PG-13 (94 minutes)

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Poster Image

MOVIE

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

age 12+

Magical, award-winning martial arts fairy tale.

December 22, 2000 2000 PG-13 (120 minutes)

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople Poster Image

MOVIE

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

age 12+

Quirky Kiwi dramedy promotes teamwork, friendship.

June 24, 2016 2016 PG-13 (101 minutes)

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Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made Poster Image

MOVIE

Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made

age 12+

Story of kids' labor-of-love Indy remake is fun, moving.

June 17, 2016 2016 NR (95 minutes)

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Adam the First Movie Poster: The faces of Adam and James appear large at the top of the frame; the various "Jacobs" are below

MOVIE

Adam the First

age 13+

Gun use, teen smoking in indie drama about family.

February 14, 2024 2024 NR (103 minutes)

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Loving Vincent Poster Image

MOVIE

Loving Vincent

age 13+

Gorgeous, hand-painted images + pulpy murder story.

October 6, 2017 2017 PG-13 (94 minutes)

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Memoria Poster Image

MOVIE

Memoria

age 13+

Arthouse drama has complex themes, mild language.

December 26, 2021 2021 PG (136 minutes)

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Once Poster Image

MOVIE

Once

age 13+

Sweet, romantic musical hits all the right notes.

May 16, 2007 2007 R (85 minutes)

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